Mono prints from inkjets.

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Nod

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Call me old fashioned but I like the occasional B&W print and when I say B&W, I mean B&W rather than the (close) approximation most inkjets give. Is there a decent printer for B&W prints that doesn't introduce any cast or display metamerism on the finished product? I know the multi black, higher end printers make a decent job of it but I could get a fair few (several years' worth) prints done by Ilford for that outlay! I've tried using proper laser photo paper in my (non photo) laser printer and it's not up to the job.
 
I have a Canon MP560 inkjet and it has a separate black ink cartridge (actually has two) and I believe it can be set to use just the black ink on photos, though I have never tried as I'm not a huge fan of B&W ...
 
Thanks Paul. I use an iX4000 Canon which can be set to print using just its black but that shows too much metamerism for my tastes - I'd rather have a slight cast!
 
have you tried getting a profile made to see if make any difference?
 
I can't see how a profile ould change the metamerism - the cast, yes but not the metamerism.
 
Nod, there are several ways of limiting the metamerism, use a printer that has a gloss optimiser cartridge that applies a coat of clear gloss onto the printed image, some printers have very sophisticated capabilities as to how much and where it is applied. (One of the printers that use this is the Z32XX series, I currently use the 44" version of this) the gloss is only of use on a gloss, satin, lustre type paper. Another way is to use a RIP where there are sophisticated controls on the application on ink and hows it is laid down onto paper. The use of both these can make very good black & white. Also a printer that uses its colour to make the black and greys gives a much better print than an few black shades. Also use different papers and see which gives the most pleasing looks.

My clients who have black & white, either use a matt paper or a satin low gloss paper, one good paper they also like is Harman warmtone, and ilfords gold fibre silk.

Happy experimenting.
 
Thanks Mark. I'm trying to avoid spending too much money (aren't we all?!) so a wide format printer (which I would love to have but hate to need to feed!) is out of the question.

TBH, I can live with both slight casts and metamerism (which is less noticeable behind glass anyway) but do like good, clear silver looking (if you know what I mean) mono prints.

I keep meaning to get off my butt and get more papers to try, once the house is sorted, I'll have some play time!
 
Shoot film and wet print? Perfect solution!
 
Been there, done that, not got the space for it any more... I could do the film dev (if I replaced the tanks etc and changing bag) but it's the printing I'm after. Soups stink too!!!
 
Thanks for the offer but the amount I'm likely to do would make the large envelope postage more expensive than getting an occasional B&W print done by Ilford!
 
Nod said:
Been there, done that, not got the space for it any more... I could do the film dev (if I replaced the tanks etc and changing bag) but it's the printing I'm after. Soups stink too!!!
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If film is an option for an occasional print, why don't you ask in the Film and Conventional thread? There are specialists who will do the processing and printing for you, and someone will advise. A lot of film enthusiasts reckon you still can't beat this for B & W.
 
I agree with them! But I rarely shoot deliberately for B&W these days - if I did, I would use one of my film bodies and a suitable film. The prints I'm after would be from converted didgital files so not as easy to print using an enlarger!
 
Nod said:
Thanks for the offer but the amount I'm likely to do would make the large envelope postage more expensive than getting an occasional B&W print done by Ilford!
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Only costs a couple of quid to post that's well cheaper than a print from ilford
 
Send the ti Ilford labs get them done properly they only do b&w once you see what they do you will never print your own again
Nigel
 
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